A systematic literature review on the impact of climate change on the livelihoods of smallholder farmers in South Africa.

Smallholder farmers in South Africa are increasingly vulnerable to the adverse effects of climate change, posing significant threats to their livelihoods and food security. This systematic literature review investigates the several impacts of climate change on smallholder farmers across the country. The literature review used a systematic approach to search for relevant research across three academic databases such as Google scholar, Consensus, and Zendy. Based on the inclusion criteria for the literature review, 261 articles were initially screened, and 35 articles were included in the systematic review. This process helped to identify the most relevant and high-quality studies on the topic. The data extracted from the 35 articles were analyzed and synthesized to identify the impact of climate change on the livelihoods of smallholder farmers. This helped to identify commonalities and differences across the literature, and to draw conclusions about the impact of climate change on the livelihoods of smallholder farmers. The study identified and examined the specific challenges faced by smallholder farmers, including the loss of livestock, reduced crop yields and heightened economic hardship. Additionally, the review explores the coping strategies employed by farmers to mitigate these challenges and adapt to the evolving climatic conditions. The findings highlight the urgent need for targeted interventions and support mechanisms aimed at enhancing the resilience of smallholder farmers and ensuring the long-term sustainability of agricultural practices amidst the challenges posed by climate change. Furthermore, the study provides valuable recommendations for policymakers, agriculturalists, and other stakeholders to address the identified issues and support smallholder farmers in adapting to climate change.

Farmers' perception, knowledge, and control attitudes of rodents infesting cereal growing areas in Morocco.

BACKGROUND: Rodent pests threaten agricultural cropping systems, impacting food security and small-holder farmers' income in cereal-growing areas. RESULTS: This study investigated knowledge, attitude, and practices (KAPs) toward rodents infesting Moroccan cereal crops through a survey of 100 farmers in two regions (Rabat-Sale-Kenitra and Fes-Meknes). A constructive questionnaire about all rodent aspects was created and distributed to the farmers. Rodent infestation is perceived in most fields (80%), with Mus musculus (28%) and Rattus rattus (26%) being the most prevalent species. Farmers perceived rodents negatively (> 90%), considering them as a major threat. Most of the control attitudes against rodent infestation were positive when continuously established and promoted. The farmer profile was shown to influence rodent knowledge and control attitude. Younger, educated, and experienced farmers understood rodent damage trends better and adopted environmental-friendly management practices, while older, inexperienced respondents preferred to use rodenticides instead. CONCLUSION: The study revealed novel insights into rodent problems in Moroccan cereal fields and urged the need for ecologically-based rodent management (EBRM) practices. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.

Occupational Exposure to Pesticides, Personal Protection, and Willingness to Reduce Chemical Sprayings Among Iranian Greenhouse Farmers.

OBJECTIVES: The level of greenhouse farmers' personal protection in pesticide use and the possibility of environmental protection through farmers' willingness to reduce chemical sprayings were assessed in Khuzestan Province, Iran. METHODS: A survey of 80 active greenhouse vegetable growers was carried out in 2021 with face-to-face interviews. Willingness to reduce chemical sprayings was examined with the theory of planned behavior (TPB) model. RESULTS: Several intoxication symptoms were reported, with the most common symptom of pesticide intoxication being dizziness. Farmers showed unsafe or rather unsafe use of personal protective equipment (PPE) during pesticide handling. The maximum use of PPE pertained to the use of mask, spray clothing, and long-sleeved shirts. On a scale from 1 (= totally disagree) to 5 (= totally agree), the respondents showed negative attitudes towards reducing chemical sprayings (mean = 2.30), rather low levels of subjective norms (mean = 2.67), and rather low levels of perceived behavioral control over reduction of chemical sprayings (mean = 2.76). The TPB variables accounted for 73% of the variance in farmers' behavioral intention. Overall, farmers' behavioral intention to reduce chemical sprayings was almost neutral. CONCLUSION: Increasing knowledge of the adverse effects of pesticides on health is necessary to promote safety behavior of farmers in the greenhouse.

Effect of ecoliteracy on farmers' participation in pesticide packaging waste governance behavior in rural North China.

Farmers' participation in pesticide packaging waste (PPW) governance is important for improving agricultural pollution and achieving sustainable agricultural development. By incorporating the theory of planned behavior, value-belief-norm theory, cognition and behavior theory etc., we construct a theoretical model comprising "ecoliteracy-farmers' WTP in PPW governance-participation in PPW governance behavior." This study investigates how ecoliteracy affects farmers' participation in PPW governance and explores the mediating effect of farmers' willingness to participate (WTP) in PPW governance. We use structural equation modeling to analyze data collected from a questionnaire survey including 1118 samples of Chinese farmers. The results show that (1) Ecoliteracy significantly affects farmers' WTP in PPW governance. Ecological cognition, emotion, values, and knowledge and skills positively affect WTP in PPW governance, while ecological cognition and ecological knowledge and skills significantly affect participation in PPW governance behavior. (2) Farmers' WTP in PPW governance mediates ecoliteracy and governance participation behavior. (3) Heterogeneity analysis reveals that different planting scales, different planting categories, and receiving/not receiving government project support have different effects on farmers' participation in governance behavior. Farmers in the large-scale group are more likely to participate in governance than those in the medium- and small-scale groups, and farmers in the mixed grain and economic category are more likely to participate in governance than those in the economic and grain categories. Furthermore, farmers who receive government support are more likely to participate in governance than those who do not. Our results can serve as a policy making reference for promoting PPW governance in various regions.

Supporting mental health in farming communities where and when it is needed most: A longitudinal analysis of risk and protective factors.

The cyclical nature of agriculture exposes farmers to challenges that vary over time, influenced by a myriad of external factors beyond their control. This longitudinal study aimed to examine mental health trajectories for Western Australian farmers over a 12 month period, and determine associations with key risk and protective factors. Farmers and farm residents (N = 125) completed an online survey at three timepoints (baseline, 6 months and 12 months) that assessed anxiety, depression, stress, farming stressors, coping strategies, sense of belonging and social supports. Survey timing coincided with periods of harvest and seeding. Risk factors associated with poorer mental health among farmers included a range of dysfunctional and emotion coping strategies, family/relationship stressors, financial/external stressors and daily stressors. Protective factors included sense of belonging and social support. Stress was found to change over time and family/relationship stressors and financial/external stressors at baseline were found to moderate anxiety and stress at 6 months and 12 months. Addressing factors associated with poor mental health trajectories and bolstering factors that are protective for mental health over time will aid clinical and community services in tailoring their services to meet the needs of farmers.

Integrating user- and data-driven weather forecasts to develop legitimate, credible, and salient information services for smallholders in the Global South.

Climate-related risks and variability pose significant challenges to the livelihoods and food security of smallholder farmers practicing rainfed agriculture. Many smallholders have limited access to weather information from climate services, and this information is often not tailored to their specific context and needs. Therefore, they rely on local ecological knowledge. This study utilizes the second generation of climate services, which provide demand-driven forecast information systems through mobile apps. We present three cases from agricultural communities in Guatemala, Bangladesh, and Ghana where we collaborated with farmers to develop local weather forecasts (LF) and combined them with scientific weather forecasts (SF) to create hybrid weather forecasts (HF). The integration of user-driven forecasts (LF) and data-driven forecasts (SF) enhances the legitimacy of the service, thereby increasing farmers' trust and credibility by providing skilful forecasts. Furthermore, our results demonstrate that the hybrid weather forecast approach facilitates climate-smart, adaptive agricultural decision-making, enhancing the resilience and capacity of smallholder farmers in the Global South to adapt to a changing climate.

Exploring factors affecting psychological resilience of farmers living in drought-affected regions in Iran: a qualitative study.

Introduction: Drought, a prevalent consequence of climate change, significantly impacts mental health among farmers. Enhancing psychological resilience is crucial to mitigating these effects. This study aims to explore the concept and factors affecting the psychological resilience of farmers living in drought-affected regions in Iran. Method: This study utilized a conventional qualitative content analysis method. Twenty-six participants, divided into two groups of experts and farmers, were selected through purposive sampling. Data collection was conducted via in-depth semi-structured interviews. The study adhered to the Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Research (COREQ) checklist and was carried out between June 2023 and February 2024. Results: The factors affecting the psychological resilience of farmers living in drought-affected regions were categorized into two main categories with nine subcategories. The first category, environmental factors, included economic factors, socio-cultural factors, drought adaptation methods, government policies, and infrastructural factors. The second category, intra-individual factors, comprised personal characteristics, health factors, psychological factors, and perception and knowledge. Conclusion: The study revealed that both environmental and intra-individual factors influence the psychological resilience of farmers during droughts. It is recommended to implement intervention strategies, such as providing training and education on drought adaptation methods and managing agricultural and healthcare expenses. Further research is needed to expand this concept to various disasters and occupational groups in future studies.

Determinants of maize farmers willingness to pay for private extension services in Ejisu municipality, Ghana.

In recent times, private sector involvement in extension services delivery in Ghana has increased. We assessed farmers' willingness to pay (WTP) for private extension services. We used quantitative techniques and selected 385 farmers through multistage sampling technique. Farmers' had a good perception of private extension services because of its flexibility, availability, value for money, and acceptable rates. Income, secondary occupation, marital status, extension contact, amount of maize sold every season, and land tenure system have an effect on farmers' WTP and the amount to pay. Government policies should continue to encourage and support private sector participation in providing extension services.

Understanding the heterogeneous effect of microcredit access on agricultural technology adoption by rural farmers in Ethiopia: A meta-analysis.

Though the Ethiopian economy is predominantly agriculture-based, the adoption of agricultural technologies has been very low. The results of a previous study had shown that microcredit access was one of the factors affecting the adoption of agricultural technology in Ethiopia. However, its effect has not yet been analyzed at the meta-level. Therefore, this study employed meta-analysis to understand the heterogeneous effect of microcredit access among farmers adopting agricultural technologies. We used subgroup analysis and meta-regression analysis to identify the heterogeneity level of credit access on technology adoption using the random-effects (RE) model. The study observed that there was a positive effect of microcredit access on agricultural technology adoption with a log odds ratio of 1.59. The subgroup analysis revealed a 93.2 % overall variation ( I 2 ) with a p-value of 0.000, signifying a significant level of microcredit access within the between-groups heterogeneity of agricultural technology adoption studies conducted in Ethiopia. Notably, this was reflected by the adoption of improved livestock technologies, fertilizers, seed varieties, multiple agriculture, and irrigation technologies, with rates of heterogeneity of 94.9 %, 94.4 %, 94.3 %, 85 %, and 73.8 %, respectively, all with a p-value of 0.000. In addition, the meta-regression analysis results indicate that household experience, distance to the market, and income are significant moderators that affect the technology adoption decisions of farmers in rural Ethiopia. These findings suggest that policymakers should focus on improving the financial facilities and extension systems for rural farmers to enhance the adoption of agricultural technologies to increase production efficiency.

A systematic review of ticks and tick-borne pathogens of cattle reared by smallholder farmers in South Africa.

Ticks are important ectoparasites of domestic animals, wild animals and humans. They spread a variety of infective agents such as protozoans, viruses, and bacteria. Cattle reared by smallholder farmers are susceptible to ticks and tick-borne pathogens due to the type of production system practiced by the farmers. Hence, this review was focused on the occurrence of ticks and tick-borne pathogens in cattle reared by smallholder farmers in South Africa. The systematic search produced a total of 13,408 articles from four databases, and after screening processes, the review utilized 23 articles published between 1983 and 2023. A total of 26 tick species belonging to seven genera were identified in the reviewed articles, with Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) decoloratus and Rhipicephalus evertsi evertsi being the most frequently reported tick species in South Africa followed by Amblyomma hebreum, Rhipicephalus appendiculatus, Hyalomma marginatum rufipes, Rhipicephalus microplus, Rhipicephalus follis, Rhipicephalus gertrudae and Hyalomma truncatum. The most frequently reported tick-borne pathogens across the provinces included Babesia bigemina, Babesia bovis, and Anaplasma marginale, with Eastern Cape Province accounting for most of the records followed by KwaZulu-Natal and Mpumalanga Provinces. The findings of this review confirm that cattle reared by smallholder farmers harbour various ticks and tick-borne pathogens of veterinary, public health and economic importance, and regular monitoring of tick infestations in South Africa is recommended to avoid disease outbreaks.

Cleaning practices of transport vehicles by commercial and non-commercial livestock markets users in Scotland.

BACKGROUND: Livestock markets are critical intermediaries in the movement of cattle and sheep between herds and to abattoirs. Disease prevention strategies promoting Cleansing & Disinfection (C&D) of vehicles moving animals from markets are in place in Scotland to reduce the risk of widespread transmission of pathogens within the livestock industry. However, little is known about how market users implement C&D on their vehicles and how these may differ between sectors of the industry. METHODS: An online questionnaire was completed by 72 Scottish market users to investigate C&D practices on livestock transport vehicles. Respondents were grouped based on their farming activities and biosecurity practices were compared between commercial and non-commercial users. RESULTS: The results showed a lower-than-expected use of brush or disinfectant and a shorter-than-expected time spent on C&D. Particularly, 43.6 % of respondents spent less than 30 min to C&D their vehicle, with no significant differences between respondents from commercial and non-commercial sectors (P = 0.75). Overall, we found little differences in C&D practices and level of training between sectors, highlighting the industrywide deficit in biosecurity knowledge. CONCLUSIONS: These results highlight a need to improve the messaging and awareness on good C&D practices on transport vehicles. Regular training on C&D practices is recommended, particularly for commercial livestock transport.

Training effectiveness evaluation: Advancing a Kirkpatrick model based composite framework.

The present study aims at ideating a quantitative protocol to evaluate effectiveness of training programmes especially meant for farmers, farm women, and rural youth. The specific objective was to develop a robust framework for measuring the effectiveness of rural training programmes organized by the Farmers Training Centres (FTCs) of India. Kirkpatrick's training evaluation model provides us the foundation to design a four-dimensional composite framework based on range-based indicator normalization, principal component analysis based indicator weight estimation, and rank correlation based framework sensitivity testing. We used cross-sectional primary data generated through household survey and personal interviews with randomly selected one thousand trainees to test and validate our proposed protocol. Applying it on our evaluation target we find that the degree of effectiveness of the training programmes varies; one in every four training programmes may not be effective. Trainees' reactions on various aspects of the training programmes may have positive and significant influence on learning. Training outcomes may be linked with the trainees' post-training changes in behaviour. A sensitivity test confirms that the proposed framework is not susceptible to changes in weighting schemes, implying robustness of indicator selection. The findings offer dissection of individual training programmes guiding policy decisions for a training organization. The proposed framework enriches the Kirkpatrick's training evaluation model by offering standardized indicators for training effectiveness evaluation.

Caregiver-reported barriers to engagement in a paediatric fresh fruit and vegetable prescription programme.

Paediatric fruit and vegetable prescription programmes hold promise in improving food security and dietary patterns among youth. However, programme success is largely dependent upon caregiver and family engagement. The current study sought to gain a better understanding of environmental barriers to engagement in a paediatric fruit and vegetable prescription programme in one low-income, urban community (Flint, Michigan, USA). Following the implementation of a paediatric fruit and vegetable prescription programme, researchers conducted thirty-two semi-structured interviews with caregivers. Researchers explored caregivers' understanding of the fruit and vegetable prescription programme, barriers to programme engagement, and recommendations for improvement. Telephone interviews were transcribed for textual analysis. Researchers used thematic analysis to examine qualitative data, determine patterns across transcripts, and develop emerging themes. Researchers concluded interviews when data saturation was reached. The majority of participants were female (94%), African American (66%), and residents of Flint (72%). Five recurrent themes emerged: (1) nutrition security; (2) prescription distribution; (3) prescription redemption; (4) educational supports; and (5) programme modifications. Although caregivers indicated that the prescription programme addressed household food insecurity, environmental barriers to engagement were apparent. Caregivers provided suggestions, such as partnering with large grocery stores and developing digital prescriptions, to address programme engagement challenges. Fundamental to the success of fruit and vegetable prescription programmes is the understanding of barriers to engagement from the perspective of participants. This study explores challenges with one paediatric fruit and vegetable prescription programme and provides actionable solutions, from the viewpoint of caregivers, to address these challenges.

Are there risk factors commonly observed on Australian farms where the welfare of livestock is poor?

The objective of this study was to identify factors more commonly observed on farms with poor livestock welfare compared to farms with good welfare. Potentially, these factors may be used to develop an animal welfare risk assessment tool (AWRAT) that could be used to identify livestock at risk of poor welfare. Identifying livestock at risk of poor welfare would facilitate early intervention and improve strategies to promptly resolve welfare issues. This study focuses on cattle, sheep and goats in non-dairy extensive farming systems in Australia. To assist with identifying potential risk factors, a survey was developed presenting 99 factors about the farm, farmers, animals and various aspects of management. Based on their experience, key stakeholders, including veterinarians, stock agents, consultants, extension and animal welfare officers were asked to consider a farm where the welfare of the livestock was either high or low and rate the likelihood of observing these factors. Of the 141 responses, 65% were for farms with low welfare. Only 6% of factors had ratings that were not significantly different between high and low welfare surveys, and these were not considered further. Factors from poor welfare surveys with median ratings in the lowest 25% were considered potential risks (n = 49). Considering correlation, ease of verification and the different livestock farming systems in Australia, 18 risk factors relating to farm infrastructure, nutrition, treatment and husbandry were selected. The AWRAT requires validation in future studies.

Private sector led multi-stakeholder platforms positively influence certified common bean seed supply in Malawi.

Common bean yields in Malawi remain low, primarily due to the use of low-yielding, recycled local seeds by most smallholder farmers. The low uptake of certified bean seed is attributed to limited incentives from the private sector. This study hypothesizes that the sustainable adoption of market-preferred varieties can be achieved by synchronizing and linking seed production to the grain market through committed value chain actors in a private sector-led multi-stakeholder platform. This paper examines the role of private sector-led multi-stakeholder platforms in the supply of certified common bean seed in Malawi. The research draws on both qualitative and quantitative primary data collected through a semi-structured questionnaire and interviews with key informants. Data were analyzed using an Ordinary Least Squares (OLS) regression model. The results indicate that several variables representing membership in multi-stakeholder platforms (MSPs) significantly affect the supply of certified common bean seed. Participation in MSPs, contractual arrangements, market structure, extension services, and seed demonstrations positively influenced seed supply. The findings underscore the need for a well-coordinated multi-stakeholder platform to enhance the supply of certified common bean seed, supported by effective policies and incentives from policymakers.

Our cities, our farm lands: The socioeconomic determinants of urban households participation in urban agricultural production under climatic stressors.

In Africa, urban agriculture is critical in addressing food security issues, economic and environmental sustainability in rapidly urbanizing regions such as urban Ghana. However, the factors that influence urban residents' participation in urban agricultural production under climate change adaptation has little space in the extant literature. Recognizing the increasing challenges posed by climate change, this study aims to understand the socio-economic factors influencing urban households' participation in agricultural activities and its implications for climate change adaptation and to draw urban households' socio-economic characteristics and their association with participating in urban agricultural production in the era of climate change effects in urban areas of Ghana. A quantitative approach is employed, involving a sample size of 362 urban households' across diverse neighbourhoods. Statistical analyses, including descriptive statistics-frequencies and percentages, inferential statistics-chi-square test and binary regression models, are employed to quantify the relationships between demographic factors and participation levels. The data suggests correlations between demographic variables, such as household size and income are significant at an alpha 0.05 in determining an urban household's participation in urban agricultural production under climatic stressors. Meanwhile, more urban households' in middle and high-class areas participate in urban agriculture than the lower class. Land acquisition is basically through purchasing which is a challenge in urban agriculture production. The study concluded that urban household size and monthly income are influential factors in urban households' participation in urban agricultural production even though land acquisition plays a factor. The study suggests that policymakers and stakeholders should harness the potential of urban agriculture for sustainable development in the era of climate change. This should be done through rolling out pro-poor urban development policies like pro-poor rights and legislation in urban areas; poor access to financial markets; and land tenure reforms that include flexible land holding and access by the poor.

E-commerce operations and technology perceptions in promoting farmers' adoption of green production technologies: Evidence from rural China.

Agricultural green production is vital for ensuring product quality, safety, and mitigating environmental issues. E-commerce operations have emerged as a key driver of green production transformation. Based on a sample of 704 farm households in Jiangsu Province, this study employs a two-way fixed-effects model, Propensity Score Matching (PSM), Instrumental Variable Probit (IVProbit), and Extended Regression Model (ERM) to address endogeneity, alongside stepwise regression to test the mediating role of technology cognition. The results show that e-commerce operations significantly and positively influence the adoption of green production technologies among farmers, with technology cognition acting as a positive mediator. The impact of e-commerce on technology adoption varied across different age groups and geographical terrains, with older farmers and those in plain regions benefiting the most. Additionally, e-commerce played a crucial role in the adoption of green technologies, particularly in the use of organic fertilizers. To promote the broader adoption of green technologies among farmers, it is recommended that governments strengthen e-commerce support systems, enhance technical training for farmers, improve the inclusivity of e-commerce platforms, and address gaps in the availability of green production technologies.

Different groups' grazing technique preferences in the Miombo woodlands of Eastern Tanzania.

Grazing in Miombo woodlands is essential for the livelihoods of the pastoral and agropastoral communities that live adjacent to these fragile ecosystems. However, Miombo woodlands offer not only fodder for livestock but also fertile land for crop farming; hence, they are equally important to the farmers residing in these areas. Due to the importance of the Miombo woodlands for the livelihoods of several groups, the consumption of and competition for Miombo resources has increased over time and now threatens the overall health of the ecosystem. This study aimed to identify the grazing techniques practiced by different livelihood groups in Miombo woodlands; their preferences for different practices, as well as the factors that influence these preferences, so as to understand how sustainable grazing can be achieved for better ecosystem health. The study was conducted in Handeni, Kilombero, and Kilosa districts and covered pastoralists, agropastoralists, and farmers. We carried out focus group discussions, key informant interviews, and a survey of 246 respondents. Un-patterned rotational grazing was the most preferred grazing technique by all three groups, and the only technique the three groups shared a preference for. All the groups took a neutral stance in relation to continuous grazing. Their preferences for other grazing techniques differ. The study highlights the need to raise awareness amongst pastoralists about land ownership and management and recommends enhancing land property rights for all groups in order to harmonize livestock keeping and other land uses for achieving sustainable grazing and overall ecosystem health in the fragile Miombo woodlands of Tanzania.

Smallholder farmers' challenges and opportunities: Implications for agricultural production, environment and food security.

In an era of growing environmental, socioeconomic, and market uncertainties, understanding the adaptive strategies of smallholder farmers is paramount for sustainable agricultural productivity and environmental management efforts. We adopted a mixed-methods approach to investigate the adaptive strategies of smallholders in Northwest Cambodia. Our methodology included downscaled climate projections to project future climate conditions and scenarios, household surveys to collect detailed demographic and socioeconomic data, crop monitoring and record-keeping to gather data on productivity and profitability, and semi-structured interviews to obtain qualitative insights on constraints and adaptation. Our analyses revealed that all smallholders are increasingly vulnerable to climate change which projections reveal will result in more intense and extreme weather events. Specifically, 92% of respondents reported reductions in household income, and 63% indicated the necessity to cut household expenses, which negatively affect agricultural productivity, as evidenced by 33% of respondents reporting declining crop yields and 10% experiencing food shortages. We also uncovered significant differences in farming strategies to mitigate vulnerability among distinct household clusters. Some households prioritise maximising yields through high-expense production strategies, while others focus on optimising inputs to enhance profit-margins, indirectly minimising their environmental impact. These varying strategies have different implications for poverty, food security, and the environment, but were doing very little to mitigate overall vulnerability. To enhance the adaptive capacity of smallholders, policies should target interventions that balance economic growth with environmental sustainability, tailored to the specific needs of different farmer and household types. Promoting the adoption of climate-resilient agricultural practices, investing in water management infrastructure, enhancing access to timely and accurate climate information, and implementing social protection measures are strongly recommended.

Aesthetic grading causes food losses without financially benefiting farmers: Micro-level evidence from China's fresh apple supply chain.

International literature is lacking quantified information about the impact of raising demands for attractive appearances and the private standards on food loss and associated effects on the economy, the environment and social issues. Given the global scale and significance to food consumption and health, fresh apples were selected for researching the issues. By focusing on China, the major production region of fresh apple in the world where the effects of aesthetic preference and shape abnormality are substantial, the present study aims to gain insights into the on-farm grading processes and different marketing channels for fresh apples in China. It was discovered that 35% of the volume in China's major production areas of fresh apples were graded by aesthetic characteristics such as ripeness, colour, fragrance, bruising, intactness and appealing appearance. About 17.1% of production on average were considered as food losses mainly caused by such grading schemes. Favouring 'perfect' appearance; however, the grading did not yield economic benefits for smallholders. Lastly, direct procurement by supermarkets had a depressive effect on the price of fresh apples at the farm gate. The study has a unique value for global debates and actions against food loss and waste as it quantifies on-farm post-harvest losses of fresh apples by different agri-food chain organizations in China with respect to mass and economic value.